Tacoma one of three in Washington: IRS inaugurates tax center appointments in 44 cities

Forty-four Internal Revenue System Tax Assistance Centers – including those in Tacoma, Silverdale and Seattle – have been enlisted to provide appointments for taxpayers who need help preparing their returns.

“The IRS is testing the new approach to determine if it will increase efficiency during a time of severe budget cuts,” the IRS said in a release Monday.

“Our hope is that the test location in Tacoma will provide better use of our resources to help people get the assistance they need, and to avoid long lines and wait times,” said IRS spokesperson David Tucker II.

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At the test locations, taxpayer services will continue to be offered without an appointment for those picking up limited forms or making a payment, but the IRS urges taxpayers to use IRS.gov to get forms they need and Direct Pay to make a payment whenever possible. All other services will require an appointment.